Margaret Outlaw

Margaret Outlaw

“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee; for thou, Lord, has not forsaken them that seek thee.” Psalm 9:10

Mrs. Margaret McCray Outlaw, departed this life on Wednesday, May 30, 2024, at Bridgeport Hospital Milford Campus. She was the beloved daughter of the late Samuel Jr. and Sadie Clark McCray.

Margaret was born in Pitt County, North Carolina, on September 16, 1935 and was educated in the Pitt County school system. Margaret later relocated to Connecticut, settling in New Haven after living in New York and Danbury, CT.

At an early age, Margaret joined Reddick Chapel Baptist Church with her family, where she remained a faithful member until she moved to Connecticut. Margaret married James Earl Outlaw in North Carolina.

Margaret had a fulfilling career in the hospitality industry, culminating as a chef at the VA Hospital, where she worked for over 25 years before retiring in 1987. A woman of unwavering faith, Margaret continued her worship and ministry work throughout her life. She attended St. Matthew’s UFWB under Pastor Gay, then Rev. Newman at New Freedom Baptist Church, and finally joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in New Haven under the leadership of Rev. Thomas J. Donaldson, continuing with Rev. John Cotten until her health declined. At New Hope, she was a cherished member, serving as a missionary and a mother of the church.

Margaret cared deeply for her community and served as a Morning Star, but her true passion was nurturing the youth in her neighborhood. She was known for her compassion and warmth, always opening her doors to children, serving sweet tea, and providing a safe space for them to gather. She was affectionately known as the neighborhood Grandma.

Margaret is predeceased by her husband, James Earl Outlaw; her daughter, Donna Outlaw; her grandson, Antwone Ford; and her siblings, Louise McCray Brown, Curtis McCray, Gloristeen McCray, Samuel McCray, Charles “Ray” McCray, and Christine McCray Hyman.

She leaves to cherish her memory: one brother, Joseph McCray (Patricia) of New Haven, Connecticut; two sisters, Erma McAdory of Huntsville, Alabama, and Deloris “Ann” Lawson (Harold) of Glen Allen, Virginia; seven children, Carlton Outlaw (Iris), Deborah Stancil, Angela Outlaw Ford, Jeffrey Outlaw (Tammy), James Outlaw (Carole), Reginald Outlaw, and Jonathan Outlaw (Rosa); along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

“Though you are gone, you will forever live in our hearts.”

A Celebration of Margaret’s life will be held on Friday, June 14th, 2024 in Hamden Plains United Methodist Church, 15 Church Street, Hamden, CT 06514, at 11am. Visitation will be held from 10–11am in the Church.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 769 Ella T. Grasso Blvd, New Haven, CT. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com